Executive Director of International Business Development

Roles

Role

Northwood University is searching for an entrepreneurial leader to serve as Executive Director of International Business Development (EDIBD), who will be pivotal in guiding and overseeing the university's international partnerships and growth strategy. This role involves overseeing the development, implementation, and execution of four key priorities:

• Cultivation and expansion of strategic alignment with international universities, educational organizations, and industry partners to expand the institution’s global footprint.
• Identifying, developing, and managing key relationships with global universities, corporate partners, and organizations to support the university’s long-term international vision, including to increase international enrollment and enhance the university’s global reach and reputation.
• Internationalization initiatives across institutional operations in alignment with the university’s strategic priorities.
• Strategic planning and delivery of growth initiatives for the university’s International Program Centers (IPCs).
  
  

The EDIBD will report directly to Northwood’s Academic Vice President and Provost while working closely with members of the university’s executive team and academic leadership.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership:
• Collaborate with Deans to enhance global engagement opportunities at Northwood University for students, faculty, and staff.
• Identify, develop, and manage relationships with international universities, corporations, and other organizations, including negotiating and managing international agreements.
• Provide leadership in the implementation of internationalization goals to align with the university’s strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with undergraduate and graduate deans to lead the development and execution of innovative and relevant international programs, such as study abroad, international internships, and exchange programs.
• Establish strategic international partnerships to advance Northwood’s mission and The Northwood Idea in collaboration with Deans and leadership team.
• Analyze market trends, monitor the competitive landscape and identify emerging opportunities to inform partnership strategy
  
  

• Enrollment Management:
• Work closely with Admissions and Marketing to increase the number of international students enrolled at the Midland campus.
• Collaborate with the Marketing department to curate Northwood University digital assets for IPC recruitment growth.
• Work closely with other campus departments on strategic and recruitment initiatives for international student scholarships.
• International Program Centers (IPCs):
• In collaboration with university leadership, negotiate and formalize agreements and joint program initiatives to expand student pathways.
• Work closely with the Deans to establish and expand IPC program offerings.
• Maintain first point-of-contact relationships with key stakeholders at each established IPC.
• Support the Deans in academic quality assurance and initiatives at IPCs.

• Compliance and Risk Management:
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, policies, and procedures related to international programs, including SEVIS compliance, health and safety protocols, and travel advisories.
• Departmental Management:
• Supervise and coordinate staffing.
• Manage the International Affairs department budget and administrative functions.
  

Qualifications

• An earned bachelor’s (graduate degree preferred) in a relevant field, including Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Business Management, or a related discipline
• A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in higher education, business development, or institutional partnerships
• Advanced knowledge of global trends, best practices, and emerging issues in international education
• Experience in developing and managing international partnerships, exchange programs, and enrollment growth strategies
• Expertise in international and U.S. immigration regulations
• Excellent management abilities and a track record of effectively managing and motivating teams
• Familiarity with budgeting and financial management principles.
• Excellent international negotiation, relationship management, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Fluency in a second language preferred
• Able to travel internationally up to 50% of the time
  
  

Expectations

• The Northwood Idea and Institutional Values: Demonstrably support the Northwood Idea and a commitment to advance the University’s Mission, Vision, Values, Code of Ethics, and Strategic Goals.
• Collaborative Leader: Effectively lead and support all colleagues associated with the International Affairs Department, while working closely with officers, academic leadership, faculty, staff, students, and international partners to grow and develop the institution’s international partnerships and presence.
• Accountability: Understand and execute relevant goals and objectives of the University’s strategic plan and annual business plan to support annual financial targets.
• Entrepreneurial Collaborator: Commit to a management philosophy of transparency, excellent communication, and relationship-building efforts with relevant domestic and international organizations.
• Intellectual Freedom: Create and maintain a climate that celebrates intellectual freedom, inquiry, reflection, and respect for those who offer diversity of thought.
• Governance: Ensure all relevant policies and procedures are current and understood by all department employees.
  
  

Northwood University embraces an institutional philosophy that emphasizes free enterprise within the context of limited government and individual responsibility. The ideal candidate will share a strong affinity for Northwood University's mission and core values.

At Northwood University, we recognize the profound impact of international education in preparing our students for success in a globalized world. If you are a forward-thinking, experienced, and passionate leader with a strong commitment to international education, we invite you to apply for the position Executive Director of International Business Development and join us in our mission to provide students with a truly global education experience.

Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the University's outcomes at www.northwood.edu/about/ and be prepared to discuss their philosophy regarding these outcomes.